Made in Mexico City; marked by Assayer Felipe De Ribas "El Mayor"
Silver, 8 13/16 in. (22.38 cm) high x 5 7/16 in. (13.8 cm) diam.
Bequest of Doris M. Brixey, by exchange
1999.22.1
Inventories of household goods belonging to Mexican immigrants who moved to New Mexico indicate that they took Mexican-made silverware with them to their new homes. This silver chalice, bearing the mark of Mexican Assayer Felipe De Ribas "El Mayor" (the Elder), would have been used in the celebration of Communion in the Roman Catholic Church. In accordance with church law, the rim and interior of the chalice bowl are gilded. Wealthy colonists might have donated chalices such as this to their local chapels out of devotion and in hopes of political advancement. The foot and bowl of the chalice are wrought, while the Baroque-style disk and baluster stem are cast. The three sections of the chalice are held together with a center rod and nut.
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